Human immunodeficiency virus in the Russian Federation in 2023

Objective. Assessment of the epidemic situation of HIV infection in the Russian Federation in 2023.

Materials and methods. The data of federal statistical surveillance forms No. 2, No. 4, Rospotrebnadzor monitoring form «Information on measures to prevent HIV infection, hepatitis B and C, detection and treatment of HIV patients» and personalized information on identified cases of HIV infection in Russia (form No. 266 u~88) were analyzed.

Results. In 2023, 58,740 new HIV cases were registered, 7% less than in 2022. A significant number of new HIV cases were detected among the rural population and residents of remote regions. The number of tests conducted increased to 48,914,663, mainly due to testing of population groups without a specific risk of HIV infection, while testing of HIV-vulnerable population groups decreased, which could lead to a decrease in the number of new cases. At the same time, mass screening of the population made it possible to identify many HIV-positive people, which ensured their access to timely treatment. 77.6% of newly diagnosed HIV-positive respondents named heterosexual contacts as the only risk factor for infection, 17.7% also mentioned drug use, and 3.7% reported homosexual contacts. One of the reasons for the persistent level of HIV transmission was the insufficient coverage of patients with effective antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusion. In 2023, the spread of HIV infection in Russia continued with the same intensity as in the previous 3 years, which leads to a gradual increase in the prevalence of HIV among the population.